Lasley relishing opportunity

Keith Lasley is hoping Motherwell can take their opportunity this weekend and win their first silverware since 1991.

Last Updated: 20/05/11 6:32pm

Lasley: Eyeing silverware on Saturday

Keith Lasley is hoping Motherwell can take their opportunity this weekend and win their first silverware since 1991.

The Fir Park outfit go into the Scottish Cup final with Celtic at Hampden Park on Saturday as massive underdogs.

But the midfielder has been immersed in images of the last team to win the Scottish Cup 20 years ago, which adorn the walls around Fir Park.

Conversations with supporters and members of that team have further forced home the importance of Saturday's Hampden clash against Celtic as Motherwell search for only the fifth major trophy of their 125-year history.

"I don't know about becoming heroes and legends but the '91 squad is inspirational," said Lasley, who made the first of his 261 Motherwell appearances in 2000 after joining the club as a teenager two years earlier.

"That's what we have got to aspire to - to win trophies for Motherwell.

"Obviously it doesn't happen every year but we have got the opportunity this year and hopefully it's an opportunity we can take.

"We were mixing with the fans last weekend at the end-of-season events and to hear these people's stories about going to games in the past and being there when they won the cup, when you hear these stories it definitely does inspire you to emulate that."

Final

Motherwell's only final since the 4-3 win over Dundee United came in 2005 in the League Cup, but Lasley missed the 5-1 defeat by Rangers as it came in the middle of his two-year stint with Plymouth.

The 31-year-old has witnessed incredible ups and downs over his years with the club, from administration and the death of captain Phil O'Donnell to third-place finishes in the league and three consecutive European campaigns.

Lasley's Motherwell career looked to be coming to an end less than 18 months ago after former manager Jim Gannon made it clear he was not part of his plans.

But Gannon was sacked days before the start of the January transfer window that would have heralded Lasley's departure and both Craig Brown and now Stuart McCall have restored him to the heart of the midfield.

So Lasley, who has formed a solid partnership with Steve Jennings, is now keen to savour the highlight of his long Fir Park career.

"European games have been great but this is my first final. It's far above everything I have played in," he said.

"It's great to get the chance. A couple of the boys played in that final but even then the Scottish Cup final is an even bigger than the League Cup final.

"But, yes, I have been at the club for a long time. I have seen a lot of highs and lows. This is going to be the pinnacle. If we get the right result, it will certainly be the pinnacle."

Reality

Lasley added: "As a young lad that's something you certainly think about - scoring the winner in a cup final. Now that's a reality for us boys on Saturday.

"I saw Jim Griffin earlier in the week at Fir Park - one of the members of the '91 team. He said it was a bit of a blur back then. You have got to try to enjoy the occasion and the whole day.

"You have got to take that advice but you enjoy it by winning it and hopefully that will be the case."

Motherwell have sold about 16,000 tickets for the game and Lasley is relishing the responsibility of delivering success for the club and the Lanarkshire town.

"This week everybody is talking about it. You see the bunting up in the streets," he said.

"That's great. That's what it's all about. It all adds to the occasion and it has been cranking up even more the closer we get to the game. It's just great to be a part of it.

"We are going to be the guys who are out there trying to do it for everybody.

"We'll have a lot of family and friends there and the whole town will be there. It's a lot of responsibility but it's something to enjoy and hopefully we can bring the cup back."

Lasley knows they will face a Celtic team stung by finishing runners-up to Rangers in the SPL last weekend.

"It's a big disappointment for them, losing the title - no doubt about that," he said. "It would have taken them a couple of days to reflect on that but come Saturday they will be refocused.

"It's obviously important for a club like Celtic to finish the season with a trophy so they will be up for it - no doubt about that. Their fans will be up for it.